Thanks to Valentine's help, I survive not only the first night, but the entire week after. A few people in town give me sideways glances, but that's no different than my time as a Turk, and it rolls off me like rain off an adamantoise's back. Business is about the same in the shop, electronics still need repairing, and I continue to be the best damn deal in town.
A sharp rap on the side door snaps me to attention. I am working in the garage installing speaker wire in some damn tiny crevices for a sound system on Cloud's bike and haven't looked up in so long that I have no idea of the time. I blink, focusing on the clock; it reads 10:19 pm. The knock comes again, a little louder.
"Just a sec," I call, wiping road dirt from my fingers onto a handy red shop rag. I slip the Electro Mag-rod around my wrist, just because a former Turk has more enemies than friends. The light by the door flickers blue as insects die in the sparks of electricity in the trap, but I can see no shapes beyond it to know who is at my door. I pop it open, leaving the chain across the lock. Vincent Valentine stands on my threshold, looking wane and brooding.
"Oh, it's you," I say, closing the door for the second it takes to remove the lock. His face is blank as I smile and let him in.
"Kinda late, Valentine, what's the occasion?"
"Your light was on. Am I disturbing you?"
"Nope, I was hyper-focused on a project and lost track of time. What can I do for you?"
"Hm," he mutters, surveying the workshop, his eyes cataloging everything until they come to rest on me.
"Your eyes remind me of –" I blurt out and then stop as I see the frown lines form at the corners of his mouth. "They're the color of my favorite wine. Want a glass? Or is this not a social call?"
His breathing slows as he relaxes and I am aware that something I'd just said angered him and was forgiven before I've even register the former.
"Business, but that doesn't preclude wine."
"Sit, I'll be right back."
He discards his cape, but not his armor, as I come back with three-quarters of a bottle and two clean glasses. The wine is a vintage I've enjoyed for years, and as I hold it up to the light for him, I see that I was right, they are the same color. I tug out the cork and fill our glasses.
"You need some electronics repaired?"
"No, I am…" he covers his hesitation by sipping the wine. "It's good. What is that? Cherry and gysahl?"
"Yeah, Tseng introduced me to it the first time he sent me to Wutai."
"Tseng, but he is a…?"
"Bastard? In more senses of the word than you mean, but he knows his culture even if they don't want to know him. He's not welcome in Wutai, so he sends me to pick up things for him and Elena all the time. I usually take his recommendations and buy myself some of the same. I actually like Wutainese."
"My mother was from Wutai. Kisaragi and I are actually distant relatives."
"You should ask him about his family – that is if you'll talk to him."
"I have spoken with him, and would have no reason not to in the future."
"Yeah," I say, "I shouldn't have doubted you. So, family aside, what can I do for you?"
"I'm working on mastering my Enemy Skill Materia. Rude mentioned that you used to have one that I am missing: Trine."
"Trine. Deals lightning damage, right? Since I favor that element, I may still have it. I ditched most of my offensive Materia years ago. Let's look. Follow me." I grab the Electro Mag-Rod and my wine, and head toward the stairs; he follows me up with the bottle and his glass.
"Sorry that my digs aren't that great, but it's home." I gesture around the small one-room apartment in which I live. In the corner, I have a small box on a stand. I flip open the lid and reveal the four globes of Materia and a small group of items and accessories: a mastered Lightning Materia, a level one Restore, level three Enemy Skill Materia, and a level one Ramuh summons, alongside a tough ring, a ribbon, and bolt armlet.
"If I have it, it will be in this one," I say, reaching into the box and equipping the Materia. "I guess we'll have to try it out to make sure it is the one you want."
"How have you survived this long without being able to read your Materia?"
"With Bahamut's luck?" I suggest, unequipping the globe. "Here, you check it out then."
He pulls Cerberus from the holster on his hip and the three long barrels make it seem like it goes on forever. He equips and tests the Materia. "Yes, not only Trine, but Magic Breath as well. I don't have either; would you mind if I borrowed this?"
"Nah, it's yours as long as you need it. My fightin' days are over," I say, and then add under my breath, "I hope."
"Ah, if you feel that way, I won't ask you if you'd like to accompany me."
"What? Where?"
"Nanaki and I are planning to go from North Corel toward Cosmo Canyon for another rare Enemy Skill this weekend, but if you're not interested in fighting anymore, we'll find another person for the party."
"I've only been to Cosmo Caynon on business; I'm not sure I'd be welcome," I say, pacing the six feet of space in the apartment. Valentine watches me. "Are you sure you want me as the third in your party?"
"I cleared it with Nanaki. Plus, you're good in a fight," he says.
"Kadaj beat my ass and I was never able to defeat Cloud and his party."
"Nothing to be ashamed of, I couldn't beat Cloud without my Limit Break and then it would still be a close battle."
"How long would we be gone?"
"A week or so, depending."
"A week away from Shera and her drama, huh? Sign me up!"
A/N: This is a ten chapter story and I will be posting a new chapter every Tuesday. All chapters are already finished, so I hope you'll enjoy this journey with me.